Soreng, July 14 (IPR): The three-day-long Sikkim RISE (Realizing Ideas, Shaping Entrepreneurship) programme under SIKKIM INSPIRES commenced today at the Engineering Complex hall, Dak Bungalow, Soreng.
Organised by the Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the SEED (Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development) Cell.
Sikkim RISE is a flagship government initiative designed to discover, mentor, and empower entrepreneurs across all districts of the State. The programme provides aspiring startups with access to mentorship, incubation support, funding linkages, and opportunities to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
The inaugural programme was attended by MLA (Soreng-Chakung), Mr Aditya Golay, accompanied by Additional Political Secretary to HCM (Soreng), Mr Eras Lucksom and OSD to MLA (Soreng-Chakung), Mr Rajen Basnett.
Delivering the introductory remarks, OSD to the Commerce and Industries Department and General Secretary of the SEED Cell, Mr Dipen Subba, said the initiative aims to promote the Chief Minister’s vision of "One Family, One Entrepreneur". The programme supports entrepreneurs through three categories-Ideation, Prototype, and Revenue, to cater to startups at different stages of development, he added.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Mr Aditya Golay praised the initiative for encouraging youth entrepreneurship and said it provides aspiring entrepreneurs with an opportunity to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across the state and encouraged the jury members and mentors to guide and train the district's aspiring entrepreneurs in every possible way, with the vision of establishing a dedicated incubation hub in the district.
Describing entrepreneurship as a promising avenue for the younger generation, he expressed hope that local entrepreneurs would contribute significantly to the State's efforts by producing goods and services that could be utilised during various festivals and celebrations, thereby promoting locally made products.
The participants also attended an expert session by Mr Ram Kumar from IIM
Calcutta, who spoke on “Five Cs" of business, covering topics such as problem identification, founders' roles, target customers, marketing strategies, prototype development, and the differences between idea-based and revenue-based startups.
The programme also witnessed the presentation of mementoes to the dignitaries and members of the jury in recognition of their valuable participation and contribution to the successful conduct of the inaugural day's events.
The jury panel for the pitching competition comprised President (SEED Cell), Mr Raj Lama, Founder (Zion Education), Mr Soni Virdi, Founder (Agapi), Ms Rinzing Choden Bhutia, Mr Ram Kumar and Mr Biswajit Dey from IIM Calcutta, General Manager (DIC), Ms Anula Gurung and Faculty (CCCT), Mr Anup Sharma.
Sixteen aspiring entrepreneurs presented their innovative business ideas during the district-level pitching session, marking a strong beginning to the three-day programme dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in Soreng.